Hopkinson relishing dream debut with SSFC Women

Reese Hopkinson made the dream start to life with South Shields Women as part of the side which thrashed Ossett United Women 5-1 yesterday.

The lasses dealt much of the damage during the first-half, with Madison Bouggess netting a hat-trick in just under 30 minutes during the opening 45 minutes, but Hopkinson played her part after she was brought on to help secure the victory.

“I really enjoyed playing the game [yesterday] with the girls,” the debutant reflected.

“I have been really looking forward to playing in the Shields kit as I’ve heard many good things and obviously experiencing an injury just after I signed was unfortunate.

“But being out on the pitch was a really good experience and I enjoyed every second of it.”

When it comes to the team’s performance, Hopkinson had the perfect view having spent the first 50 minutes or so on the sidelines and when she was substituted on, she felt she made a tangible impact on the game.

She continued: “I thought the team played really well, had most of the possession throughout the game and really limited their chances for shots on goal.

“But both our keepers were phenomenal and it is definitely a confidence booster having two such amazing goalies.

“Once I was brought on I thought I played alright - obviously I have high standards for myself and the aim is to help the team win and keep the ball by combining with the other players. 

“Being a fresh set of legs helped to break down Ossett momentum and keep the lead we had on them throughout the game.”

Although she has not spent much time with the remainder of the squad, they have made the new arrival feel “really welcomed” and it is only a matter of time before she fully settles in.

“I felt really welcomed by all the players and they all helped me settle in,” she said.

“I recognised a couple of the girls from when I’ve played against them in the past and it was nice being on the same side for once! 

“The girls were all really sweet and managed to include me in their conversations and ask me questions. 

“I can tell the girls are all really close, and in the future I can tell the chemistry is only going to get better. 

“It’s the type of environment a player should be going into and it made me feel better and less nervous about not knowing almost all of them.”

The stakes couldn’t be much higher next, as the lasses take on Birtley Town Ladies in the Semi-Final of the NERWFL League Cup on Thursday, April 30th.

Hopkinson believes if the team plays as they did against Ossett United, they stand every chance of making the Final.

She finished: “The game on Thursday is going to be good as two good teams are going against each other. 

“If the team creates and takes their chances like they did [on Sunday], I have a good feeling we could make the Final this week.

“As long as everyone has each other's back and plays for each other, I don’t see why we couldn’t make the Final. 

“Roll on Thursday!” 

Match details for our game against Birtley Town will be shared on our social media channels in due course.